New York City is offering a unique tourism promotion that is sure strike a chord with anyone who loves to shop till they drop and who loves fashion: Fashion’s Night Out, on September 10th, 2009. Put it on your calendar. If you’re thinking of visiting The Big Apple, this is the perfect time.
On the first night of Fashion Week participating retail stores across New York City will stay open until 11 p.m. and offer an array of in-store celebrations and promotions.
“New York City’s fashion and retail industry is a vital part of our local economy, supporting more than 175,000 jobs as seamstresses, sales clerks, delivery drivers and other occupations in apparel design, garment manufacturing, retailing, and other areas,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Fashion’s Night Out will provide our local retailers with a boost and will serve as a terrific kick-off for fall Fashion Week. I want to thank Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America for developing a creative way to support New York City.”
Anna Wintour, Vogue magazine’s editor, said the event would draw attention to the “extraordinary and unrivaled” fashion and retail industry in New York City. “The City is home to some of the world’s most celebrated and diverse designers, and renowned for its vast array of retailers from legendary department stores to the most charming independent boutiques,” she said. “Fashion’s Night Out is about protecting this creativity and diversity, reenergizing New York’s fashion and retail community and getting consumers excited about shopping for fall.”
In addition to supporting local retailers, Fashion’s Night Out will benefit important New York City causes. A special limited-edition T-shirt has been created for Fashion’s Night Out. Proceeds from its sale will support the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
“Small businesses are the mainstay of our city and support the diverse fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Small Business Services Commissioner Walsh. “When our small businesses succeed there are more job opportunities for New Yorkers. I encourage everyone to get out and shop on Fashion’s Night Out — to ensure our City maintains its vibrant spirit.”
“Working people in the city are hurting, and no more so than those who work in retail,” said Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Appelbaum. “This initiative not only serves consumers, but helps provide a needed boost to New York’s retail industry at a time when it’s needed most.”
“As a retailer, we are very excited about supporting this citywide initiative designed to stimulate the retail and fashion industries,” said Macy’s, Inc. President and CEO Terry Lundgren. “Fashion’s Night Out is a great program that will get New Yorkers and tourists excited about shopping again in the City that is known around the world for its eclectic fashion and iconic retail stores.”
The program’s site, fashionsnightout.com, provides retailers and consumers with information on how they can take part in Fashion’s Night Out. Consumers can access details on the programming and sign up for regular updates.
With almost 100 retailers already on board for this promotion, there is sure to be some eye-popping shopping for everyone as well as a good old New York good time.
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
